In today’s show, we discuss the topic of options. Everyone wants options whether you consciously think it through or not. We want the power of choice, specifically “our” choice. We want to choose a small coke or a super-sized one. We want to choose the economy room or the presidential suite at the local hotel. Options are critical to allowing a client to choose what they want and they are an effective tool in being able to communicate streamlined suggestions. Brian and Nate review the reasons as to why options are important and how they should be a part of any client interaction.

In today’s show, we interview special guest Rachel Witmer. Rachel is a comfort advisor with One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning in Lancaster, PA. Coming into the industry just over a year ago, Rachel has made quick work of employing systems and strategies for the best possible customer experiences. Now serving in a sales roll for heating and air conditioning equipment, Rachel’s natural personality combined with tools like upfront agreements have made her incredibly successful and approachable with her clients. Rachel eloquently explains how the power of having a mutually agreed upon agenda for each call makes the client at ease and her job much easier. Explaining the theory and even a quick roll-play, Rachel describes how having a simple 5–10 minute conversation can make all the difference in how the calls starts and how it ends.

In today’s show, we discuss the topic of upfront agreements. Learning how to game plan a client meeting can be an internal fight. So often what goes “right” in our heads seems to fall apart in shoe leather. Upfront agreements are a tool of simplicity that can be used throughout a client experience to help everyone stay on the same page. The idea is to eliminate the unknown and unexpected and replace it with a mutually agreed upon outline of the call schedule. While simple in nature, the discipline of employment can be the downfall. Hosts Brian and Nate explain the idea of upfront agreements and share some advice on how they can be utilized.

In today’s show, we interview special guest Ted Schnettler. Ted is currently the service manager with One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning in Lancaster, PA. Ted began his career in the trades after observing house construction as a framer. Looking for a long-term career Ted shifted gears from framing to HVAC and began learning the ins and outs of refrigerant and equipment. Growing in knowledge and abilities, he quickly rose through the ranks and held multiple positions of differing responsibilities including service tech, overseeing install, and more. Now Ted works hand in hand with the service and install teams for troubleshooting, technical development, quality control, and training. Ted’s passion for excellence does not overshadow his ability to relate. Having been in the shoes of many roles in HVAC companies, he holds a well-rounded understanding of day-to-day operations while still expecting high quality work. Ted reveals some tips on how to improve your technical skills whether just starting in the trades or achieving the next level in your career.

In today’s show, we discuss the topic of technically speaking. In the home services industry, there is always a need for improvement and growth in technical skills. Not only is the industry constantly evolving with new tools and new equipment, but there is already such a wide variety of existing equipment in place that the learning never stops. On this podcast, hosts Brian and Nate examine the importance of keeping up with your technical abilities and why it matters.

In today’s show, we interview special guest James Frese. James is a service HVAC technician with One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning in Lancaster, PA. Graduating from a local trade college in HVAC, James started with One Hour riding shotgun in a truck for several months. Once making the jump to his own truck he struggled with the transition. Finally determining in his own mind to learn improvement, James began seeking out training support online. Finding one program after another he began creating the habit of learning in his life and eventually brought that habit into his drive time. James shares not only the impact that consistent training has had on his life but the value of using your drive time to improve and learn.

In today’s show, we discuss the topic of my vehicle university. There are many differences in the home services industry between plumbing, electrical and HVAC. However, one thing that they all have in common is road time. If you are in home services, you see the backside of a windshield for upwards of 20-30% of your day. The time is significant; and so is how you spend it. Brian and Nate breakdown the concept of my vehicle university (MVU) in making the most of that drive time. Whether it’s listening to communication training, podcasts, or other educational materials drive time is paid time; and paid time is growth time. A long-distance runner runs the full distance every race. There is no “run time” and “rest time.” There is only race time and that is the idea that really resonates with wasting no day.

In today’s show, we interview special guest James Mellinger. James is a service electrician and safety advisor for Mister Sparky Electric in Lancaster, PA. Coming out of high school, James got introduced to the trades through a family connection eventually taking apprenticeship classes and learning the skills. Originally joining One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning as an HVAC tech, he eventually transferred to the sister company Mister Sparky Electric wear he found his niche in the service industry. As a self-proclaimed amateur in selling communication, James graduated the school of hard knocks to eventually become one of the highest producing panel sales electricians in the nation. James shares his story in how he went from “didn’t know what I was doing” to great success by learning how to transfer the enthusiasm of his service.

In today’s show, we discuss the topic of transferring your enthusiasm. Selling is a baggage word that brings up all kinds of feelings in people; most of them negative. Really at the end of the day to sell something is to transfer the excitement you have for a product or service to someone who doesn’t have that product or service. This definition comes from Brian Tracy, a successful and renown sales trainer and coach. Brian and Nate breakdown the concept and review how important it is to not only believe in what you are offering but help others understand the same value that you place upon that particular product or service.

In today’s show, we interview special guest Brad Hauck. Brad serves as the service coordinator and dispatcher for One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, and Mister Sparky Electric; all located in Lancaster, PA. Prior to taking his role as master of the schedule, Brad was a HVAC technician himself for many years. This unique combination of both field experience and strong organization has empowered Brad to maximize efficiency in his day while not losing site of what it was to be a technician. In the service industry, time is a key motivator not only to the customer you are serving (by arriving on time) but also to the service professional. If you waste time through the day, your lack of efficiency can end up costing you opportunity. If you arrive late at your first call, you may not have the opportunity to have that last call in you day and in turn cost you possible income. We break down some advice from the scheduler Yoda on making the most of your home services day.

In today's show, we discuss the topic of an efficient service day. Efficiency is something that everyone is concerned about and interested in gaining. We spend extra money for longer lasting product, for better MPG, for better energy, and the list goes on. Efficiency is certainly of consumer interest; but what about efficiency in your day. Would you pay to get one more minute? If only that was possible, but we all get the same number of minutes each day. The efficiency comes through how you choose to use the minutes you are given. Here is where the theory turns to application. Are you disciplined in your time management? How can your time efficiency affect your day in the home services industry? Are you budgeting your time so that are making the most of each day? This episode breaks down the idea of efficiency in your day and specifically how it relates to the home services industry.

In today’s show, we interview special guest Caleb Harnish. Caleb brings a unique background to the service industry by both understanding the customer side and the technician side of the equation. Entering the trades in customer service after some time at college, Caleb started his journey in the office. Here he learned the importance of serving a customer and the types of needs that homeowners have on a day-to-day basis. He eventually moved into a role as human resources director which taught him about the concerns and challenges of technicians, plumbers, and electricians. Combining these two areas of expertise, Caleb branched out into the sales field delicately balancing and bridging the gap between homeowners and technicians when HVAC replacement is in discussion. Caleb has and continues to learn the value of understanding pain in his meetings with customers. Caleb shares his practical advise on how understanding everything the customer is dealing with aids in providing a solution the customer needs.

In today's show, we discuss the topic of pain and how it is your ally. Most people will take great effort to avoid pain. However, as every homeowner knows, pain comes built into every house. The home services industry was born out of a desire to avoid pain. We invented tools and machines to make the home more comfortable. We want lights in our house to avoid having to use candles. We want working toilets to avoid the cold outhouse. We want on demand heat to avoid chopping wood or shoveling coal. Along with these inventions always comes a need for repair and replacement. This is where home service professionals encounter customer pain. When something is broken or not working properly, the customer is in pain and wants it corrected. Understanding the pain of a customer is in not only makes you empathetic but also helps you fix the problem with the best solution. Like a good doctor, a technician must first conduct an exam before prescribing the remedy. Understanding the pain is what makes it your ally.

In today’s show, we interview special guest Ryan Veilleux. Ryan, like so many entered the trades in his teens as a plumber’s helper. This turned into becoming a plumber which led to crossing into HVAC. Ryan perfected his craft as a heating and air conditioning technician serving the customer through maintenance and repairs. He further honed his skill in customer service and communication by “listening.” Ryan speaks about what he was listening for at each call and how he developed his training on spotting opportunities.

In today's show, we discuss the topic of looking for opportunities. Many people wait for success to come to them. They get stuck in a rhythm that looks good, but is really preventing growth. This type of satisfactory mentality accepts good over great and if not tempered leads to rationalization and even justification of why someone else gets better results. Looking for opportunities starts inside first. Ask the question, "Am I even open to opportunity?" For all of us, it is easy to fall into a stagnant state of mind. Once you are able to overcome your own head trash, you can than move into application. Now that your eyes are open to seeing opportunities, you can begin learning what to do with them when they present themselves. Hosts Brian and Nate dig into this topic and how we can all make a determination to keep an open mind.

In today’s show, we interview special guest Brennan Machemer. Brennan entered into plumbing trade school after graduating. After years of working during the day and school at night, he eventually got his journeymen card and recently secured his master plumber license. However, even the best master plumber can be the worst motivator. We take time to hear how Brennan not only stays motivated himself, but uses that gift to encourage others around him. Currently serving as a field supervisor with Benjamin Franklin Plumbing in Lancaster, PA, Brennan is responsible for the morale and leadership of his team. Brennan shares his perspective on what gets him up in the morning and what keeps him going through the day.

In today’s show, we discuss the topic of motivation. Motivation is one of those buzzwords that can really draw up a number of feelings on the topic. Hosts Nate and Brian discuss practical advice to personal motivation starting with identifying whether you tend to be a positive or negative person. Once you know your starting point, the steps forward become more defined to either help staying motivated or starting that journey. If you are already a motivated person, Brian and Nate discuss ways of passing that excitement on to those around you. Listen for some great and practical ideas for turning the grind into growth.

In today's show, we interview special guest Aaron Buckwalter. Aaron entered the industry as a comfort advisor selling HVAC equipment to customers in need of system replacement. He eventually grew through the company and currently serves as operations manager for One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning in Lancaster, PA. Aaron brings a lot of wisdom in the form of communication training and combines it together with years or experience in the field to provide a really unique and effective conversation. Our subject matter for the episode is bonding and rapport, otherwise known as getting to know the customer to help establish trust and understanding.